Every child deserves a chance! This slogan of the Children Services levy committee conveys everything that the voters of Washington County need to know to convince them to vote "yes" in support of the Children Services levy on Nov. 6.
Unfortunately, for 1,661 children who were referred to the Children Services for assistance due to abuse or neglect during 2011, their chance was not available to them through their own family. What would their fate be if Children Services weren't there to assist them in their time of need?
While the need for these services in Washington County has consistently increased in recent years, funding support from the federal government, the state of Ohio and Washington County has steadily decreased resulting in a nearly 25 percent reduction in Children Services' operating budget.
The board members, officers and counselors of Children Services are all dedicated to their duty of assisting the children of our county. We can support their good work at a cost of 45 cents per year per $1,000 of appraised real estate values.
I urge the voters of Washington County to vote "yes" for the Children Services levy. Every child deserves a chance!
Bob Kirkbride
Marietta
